Band clamp apparatus

Abstract

A band clamp apparatus having two 180° segments which are bolted together at flanges on the horizontal centerline. A substantial portion of each segment has a scalloped band contour for weight reduction. An internal groove in the band clamp which has parallel facing walls which engage the mated flanges of the casings of the engine/exhaust system. Local radial restraints are provided on the engine/exhaust system casings to achieve radial constraint and circumferential positioning of the band clamp apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A band clamp apparatus for an engine/exhaust system comprising in combination: a first band clamp segment formed in a semi-circular shape, said first band clamp segment having a first flange at one end of said first band clamp segment and a second flange at the other end of said first band clamp segment, said first flange having a first and second bolt hole therein arranged on opposite sides of said first band clamp segment, said first flange having a pair of jackscrew holes therein arranged on opposite sides of said first band clamp segment, aligned with and spaced-above said first and second bolt holes respectively, said second flange having a third and fourth bolt hole therein arranged on opposite sides of said first band clamp segment, said first band clamp segment including a longitudinal groove in its inner surface extending the entire length thereof, said longitudinal groove forming a pair of substantially parallel wall surfaces, and,   a second band clamp segment formed in a semi-circular shape, said second band clamp segment having a third flange at one end of said second band clamp segment and a fourth flange at the other end of said second band clamp segment, said third flange having a first and second bolt hole therein arranged on opposite sides of said second band clamp segment, said third flange having a pair of jackscrew holes therein arranged on opposite sides of said second band clamp segment, aligned with and spaced-above said first and second bolt holes respectively, said fourth flange having a third and fourth bolt hole therein arranged on opposite sides of said second band clamp segment, said second band clamp segment including a longitudinal groove in its inner surface extending the entire length thereof, said longitudinal groove forming a pair of substantially parallel wall surfaces, said engine/exhaust system providing a circumferentially mated jointed flange at their connecting point, said first and second band clamp segments positioned around said engine/exhaust system and operatively engaging said circumferentially-mounted flange, said first flange of said first band clamp segment operatively mating with said fourth flange of said second band clamp segment at the horizontal centerline of said engine/exhaust system, said first and fourth flanges being secured together by a pair of bolts, said second flange of said first band clamp segment operatively mating with said third flange of said second band clamp segment at the horizontal centerline of said engine/exhaust system, said second and third flanges being secured together by a pair of bolts.   
     
     
       2. A band clamp apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein a predetermined portion of the mid-section of said first and second band clamp segments is formed with a scalloped band contour to reduce weight. 
     
     
       3. A band clamp apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein shoulder extensions are provided at the flanged ends of said first and second band clamp segments to engage local radial restraints on the respective casings of said engine/exhaust system. 
     
     
       4. A band clamp apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein pin type limit stops on the respective casings of said engine/exhaust system engage recesses in the flange faces of said first and second band clamp segments. 
     
     
       5. A band clamp apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein forcing screws are accepted in said jackscrew holes to facilitate the separation of said first and second band clamp segments. 
     
     
       6. A band clamp apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said pairs of bolts which fasten said first and second band clamp segments together, are not loaded during the operation of said engine/exhaust system.